I remember that it was the custom, in my patron's house,
to ask questions of the Single Catechism round every Sabbath
night. He asked the first, my mother the second, and so on,
everyone saying the question asked and then asking the next. It
fell to my mother to ask Effectual Calling at me. I said the answer
with propriety and emphasis. "Now, madam," added I, my
question to you is: What is Ineffectual Calling?"
"Ineffectual Calling? There is no such thing, Robert," said she.
"But there is, madam," said I, and that answer proves how much
you say these fundamental precepts by rote, and without any
consideration. Ineffectual Calling is the outward call of the gospel
without any effect on the hearts of unregenerated and impenitent
sinners. Have not all these the same calls, warnings, doctrines,
and reproofs, that we have? And is not this ineffectual Calling?
Has not Ardinferry the same? Has not Patrick M'Lure the same?
Has not the Laird of Dalcastle and his reprobate heir the same?
And will any tell me that this is not Ineffectual Calling?"
"What a wonderful boy he is!" said my mother.
"I'm feared he turn out to be a conceited gowk," said old Barnet,
the minister's man.
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